Nasal CPAP treatment of the respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective investigation of 10 new born infants.

Ten newborn infants with the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) or foetal aspiration (FA) were treated with a simplified nasal CPAP system (continuous positive airway pressure). The system consists of a Hudson binasal cannula and a Benveniste pediatric jet device (weight 5 g). The desired airway pressures are obtained by adjustment of the jet flow in accordance with the naso-pharyngeal flow/pressure relationship. The system was found to be effective in the treatment of 9 of the 10 children, as demonstrated by improved blood gas values, and improved respiration; the latter was also evident in infants with pronounced apnea. In one child pneumothorax, occuring after about 24 hours of successful CPAP treatment, necessitated respirator treatment. The system is quick and simple to use, and permits feeding, lung physiotherapy and routine nursing of the child during treatment.